Staff & Bios

Our team is an eclectic mix of international expats and local Costa Ricans. We come from all parts of the world and vary in ages and backgrounds. What we all have in common is a passion for Costa Rica tourism. We are confident that no other travel agency in Costa Rica can match our level of talent, passion and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Tony Silva » Chief Culture Officer

As a former DJ, music is a huge part of my life. I also enjoy playing sand volleyball and practicing Yoga. My...Read more »

Casey Halloran » Chief Executive Officer

I moved to here in 1998, one year after finishing college at the University of Richmond, VA. I can't remember when...Read more »

Richard Bexon » Chief Operating Office

About Me: I moved to Costa Rica in 2005 after my Costa Rican wife could not stand the English weather anymore. I am...Read more »

Rob Harper » Business Development Director

Panama--I love living in Panama because it has such an interesting energy of opportunity at the moment. With...Read more »

Roman Venegas » Finance Director

I am Costa Rican, originally from Cartago. I like to travel & I am in love of my family. My wife and son (Gabriel),...Read more »

Joan Borreli » Sales Manager

I am originally from Pennsylvania, USA but am proud to have dual citizenship for both Costa Rica & the U.S. I live...Read more »

Wanda de Vries » Sales Team Manager

I studied Tourism Management back in Holland and always knew I wanted to live in a tropical country. After having...Read more »

Andy Goodling » Sales Team Lead

I studied Spanish in Costa Rica when I was in college and fell in love with the country. I knew this is where I...Read more »

Anastasia McCulloch » Sales Team Lead

I came to Costa Rica in 2009 to teach English and was amazed by the natural beauty and general desire to celebrate...Read more »

Robin Sabine » Travel Consultant

I came to Costa Rica in 2009 with my husband & children, because we wanted a slower paced life and access to lots of...Read more »

Theresa Parent » Travel Consultant

I came to Costa Rica for the first time in 2007 for a study abroad in college. During my semester studies, I also...Read more »

James Dyde » Nicaragua Specialist

Costa Rica residing Englishman married to a Colombian who somehow manages to spend most of his time in Nicaragua.Read more »

Annie Bestwick » Travel Consultant

I came to Costa Rica in 2008 for a surfing vacation & fell in love the friendly people, the lifestyle & the...Read more »

Tara Cabatingan » Travel Consultant

I came to Costa Rica in 1992 under the guise of learning more Spanish but in truth, everything about the culture...Read more »

Marco Madrigal » Travel Consultant

I was born in San Jose & studied at the University of Costa Rica. I am proud to be a Costa Rican. I wanted to become...Read more »

Lisa Cederberg » Travel Consultant

In 2008, I decided that the city life and Los Angeles were no longer for me and set my sights on Costa Rica in...Read more »

Stephanie Hudson » Travel Consultant

After graduating from Stetson University in 2007, I moved to Costa Rica to work with Costa Rican Vacations. I've...Read more »

Leah Reeb » Travel Consultant

I first came to Costa Rica on vacation over 6 years ago. After finishing Graduate School and working for the US...Read more »

Justin DeBoom » Travel Consultant

I came down to Costa Rica my first time and fell in love with the country and everything it has to offer. Being an...Read more »

Emilie Witham » Travel Consultant

I came to Costa Rica in 2009 and fell in love with the country's natural beauty and laid back lifestyle. I now live...Read more »

Shay Tippie » Travel Consultant

Originally from Southern California, I landed in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica after completing a backpacking trip...Read more »

Rebecca Anderson » Travel Consultant

My interest in travel started on a school trip to Spain, I fell in love with the language & vowed to travel as much...Read more »

Aidan Mullan » Travel Consultant

I moved to Costa Rica 3 years ago with my wife (a Costa Rican). We lived together in my hometown, Belfast and after...Read more »

Brenda Vollman » Travel Consultant

I am a very adventurous person by nature and Costa Rica seemed like a perfect fit to explore a tropical destination...Read more »

Mark Fitzpatrick » Travel Consultant

Travel has always been my passion. I had married my Costa Rican wife in 2004 and we had long held the idea that we...Read more »

Jessica Smith » Travel Consultant

I came to Costa Rica in 2012, after I bought my mom a trip to Guanacaste and a camera for Christmas. I ended up...Read more »

Troy Hansz » Travel Consultant

In 1998 I began exploring the world hoping to find my own personal paradise. The journey spanned many countries and...Read more »

Daniel Myers » Travel Consultant

I am originally from the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and I had the chance to live and study in the US for 8 years....Read more »

Caitlyn Rowlands » Travel Consultant

I originally came to Costa Rica with little-to-no Spanish knowledge, no contacts in Costa Rica, and just looking for...Read more »

Cindy Peck » Travel Consultant

I came to Costa Rica 10 years ago on vacation and I felt I belonged here from the beginning. I ran my own travel...Read more »

Molly Stevens » Travel Consultant

During my undergraduate career at Northeastern University I was able to study and intern in various countries,...Read more »

James Buchanan » Travel Consultant

I’d like to think of myself as an adventurous traveler having lived in three countries in the past 3 years....Read more »

Melanie Bernstein » Travel Consultant

After spending most of my adult life climbing the corporate ladder, I eventually made the decision to quit my...Read more »

Nadieh Zoutenbier » Travel Consultant

In 2008 I came down to Costa Rica to do a 6 month internship for my study Social Work. After the first month being...Read more »

Ashley Grew » Travel Consultant

I was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Costa Rica from the age of one month. Mother nature is my medicine, my...Read more »

Gabriela Sanmiguel » Sales & Marketing Representative

First time I came to Costa Rica it was for my brother's wedding and after vacationing for a couple of weeks I...Read more »

Claudia Salas » Travel Experience Manager

I have moved to Costa Rica with my husband & son because we knew we could find a relaxed, tranquil but still exiting...Read more »

Pilar Arce » Sr. Travel Experience Representative

Growing up in a family that encouraged a healthy relationship with nature led me to be the outdoor enthusiast that I...Read more »

Greivin Alvarez » Travel Experience Representative

I studied Hotel management and spent time studying & working in the U.S & China. I have experience with working with...Read more »

Yermi Araya » Travel Experience Representative

I love meeting people from different countries, learning about their culture & teaching them a bit about mine. I...Read more »

Ricardo Carballo » Travel Experience Representative

Born and raised in Costa Rica, for the first four years I lived and grew up in Puerto Viejo, Limon and simply loved...Read more »

Derek Schlager » Partner Development Manager

I enjoy riding motorcycles, that's my passion, I've owned several bikes in my life, I like the journey, the views,...Read more »

Natalia Matamoros » Partner Development Representative

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world! Since I was a little girl, I fell in love with...Read more »

Joel King » Marketing Manager

Growing up in London with a love of surfing, diving and all things nature, I always knew I would have to leave...Read more »

Jelena Radic » Senior Online Content Editor

Having a background in visual art, videography & curatorial practice, the most rewarding life experience for me is...Read more »

Rodolfo Alvarez » Outbound Marketing Rep

A very easy-going guy passionate about traveling. Love scouting new places, meeting people, good food and beers... A...Read more »

Adam Baker » Audio Visual Specialist

I came to Costa Rica in 2006 with my sister after graduating from Plymouth University studying Film and Design. I...Read more »

Carolina Bello » Audio Visual Assistant

I'm a professional photographer, I love nature & traveling with my camera. I'm also great fan of a good book and a...Read more »

Jennifer Dunn » Marketing Assistant

I spent part of my infancy in Limon, the Caribbean side of the country; raised by my lovely grandma and four...Read more »

Kristen Dunlap » Social Marketing

Ever since I started coming here in 2005, I loved how accessible Panama was, both to get to and while you're here. I...Read more »

Adriana Ramírez » Quality Lead

I have more than 14 years of work experience in tourism industry, and 6 of those I have worked for Costa Rican...Read more »

Ingrid Gomez » Quality Representative

I was born in San José, Costa Rica, and I currently live in Heredia. My days are committed to my work and I spend...Read more »

Jason Alvarez » Quality Representative

I am very proud of being Costa Rican, love the 'pura vida' life style, going around the country, visiting the...Read more »

Adriana Morales » Quality Representative

I was born in CR. I like meeting new people and learning about other cultures. I love going to the beach and traveling.Read more »

Alexis Fernandez » Quality Representative

Just a regular guy that enjoys every single moment in life and who never stops dreaming. I love listening to music...Read more »

Nathalia Quiros » Quality Representative

I was born and raised in Costa Rica and I would not imaging myself living in any other country. This is one of the...Read more »

Alejandro Troz » Accounting Manager

Tico born and raised, I love to go to Rock Festivals all around the world. Huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and...Read more »

Esteban Castro » General Accountant

I like nature related activities such as hiking, running, bicycle & fishing.
Living in Costa Rica means PURA VIDA.Read more »

Daniel Castillo » Senior Accountant

I love my beautiful country because all the people here are 'pura vida'. I like playing video games, running,...Read more »

Josue Astorga » Junior Accountant

I'm a very quiet person who likes to keep good relationship with others. Currently I'm studying Public Accounting,...Read more »

Marco Molina » Project Manager Assistant

I am a Software Engineer, currently studying Masters Degree in Project Management. I like to play soccer on...Read more »

Testimonials

I cannot even begin to tell you about our terrific trip. From start to finish we had amazing hotels, transfers and service. Before we left on the trip we worked with Anathasia and Caitlyn. They both had a lot of useful information about where we should go and what we should do.We wanted a family friendly two week trip to Costa Rica and we got so much more. Really it was an experience of a lifetime! We started in Arenal with amazing hot springs and a lot of hiking, a beautiful hotel. Monteverde was so beautiful and we loved zip lining and hiking in the park. The beauty was unmatched! The accommodations in Manuel Antonio were incredible. Monkeys were eating on out porch in the morning and a sloth lived in a tree right next to the restaurant. We had our own kitchen and made delightful smoothies everyday with fruit from the farmers market. A much needed washer and drier came with our villa and helped make life so much easier. The beach and flora and fauna were beyond belief in Manuel Antonio and I was even thinking about retiring to CR while there. I kept having to pinch myself. Our last stop on the Osa Peninsula was to die for, with it's beautiful beaches and amazing hiking. It was wonderful to end our trip in such a magical and remote place whilst being pampered by our hotel staff. In this villa we felt like we were living in the trees and the park was so beautiful and we saw so many interesting birds and crossed paths with a couple tapirs. The trip was so well thought out. The accommodations kept getting more and more incredible. The transport between locations was absolutely seamless. It was also very nice to know we could get help form Costa Rica Vacations during our trip, as Pilar helped us change an excursion when my son was feeling a little sick, without any problems. All four of our family members had one of the most memorable vacations to date.... More

We booked twice now with Justin DeBoom at Costa Rican vacations. Both vacations were flawless. From the meet and greet upon arrival to the transport back to the airport. We will most likely do this again!... More

We had great luck working with Mark at with Costa Rica vacations. He was very responsive and listened to what we needed for a family friendly vacation. In the end we stayed at four completely different but all equally wonderful destinations during our 11 day trip. All of our transportation was arranged by them and was seamless. Their team was also very helpful when a tour was suddenly cancelled and promptly made other arrangements for us the same day. We certainly will use CRV again for any future trips to Costa Rice and recommend them without hesitation.... More

Alisa- we are so pleased you enjoyed your time in Costa Rica, and that Mark planned such a wonderful trip. We are happy to hear that you were able to visit four different locations, and we do hope you do in fact return to explore much more. Remember, we also plan trips to Nicaragua and Panama! Thanks again for your kind words and continued recommendation. Pura Vida, The Namu Travel Team... More

Also, if you have a moment, would you mind copying and pasting your review to our Google Plus Page? It would help for people to know your experience who do not use Facebook. Here's the link: https://plus.google.com/+Vacationscostarica/about Gracias Alisa!... More

From our first conversation with Leah Reeb to the ride back to the San Jose Airport, this was the perfect vacation. Leah managed to translate our vague thoughts about a Costa Rican vacation to luxurious stays at the Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa and the otherworldly Los Sueños Resort. Add in 2 1/2 days of fabulous fishing in Lake Arenal in the shadow of the volcano, an off shore trip where we watched 5 sailfish dance on their tails at the end or our lines, a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park and a Snorkeling & Coastal Kayak Tour, and more... we are still amazed that Leah was able to arrange all of that within our limited budget. We will be back to Costa Rica and we will be absolutely arrange our return through Costa Rican Vacations... More

This was our third trip to Costa Rica planned by Costa Rican Vacations and it was tremendous.This was our longest stay so far, visiting Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Tamarindo. We had outstanding hotels at each site, seamless transfers, and three terrific tours, all set up by CR Vacations. Theresa Parent our travel planner was excellent. The highlights were the white-water rafting tour on the Rio Balsa and the hike on the Rio Celeste to the blue lagoon and cascade, all through Desafio Tours. Mostly, it was the people we encountered at the hotels, the transfer drivers, and the tour guides, that made the trip so memorable. We're looking forward to our fourth trip in the near future.... More

Lillian,
It's such a compliment to have you travel with us now for a third time. We are so pleased that Costa Rican Vacations - Theresa Parent planned such a happy trip for you, and we are glad to read the highlights were rafting and the hike. We'd love to see photos, so please feel free to share them with Theresa or to pass them along to our Social Media Manager, Kiki, at KristenDunlap@namutravel.com.
Would you mind pasting your review to our G+ page? https://plus.google.com/+Vacationscostarica/about It will help views who don't have access to Facebook read about your experience.
Pura Vida! Can't wait to welcome you back again and see what's left on your bucket list.
The Namu Travel Group... More

Having been to Costa Rica once, last year, and wanting to return, I knew I needed help planning a longer trip that took in more of the country. Although I am adventurous, I am not reckless, and I wanted to make sure the trip I was planning for my friend and I was going to be fantastic! (We hadn't seen each other in 12 years, having moved to different states while raising families, and had been fantasizing for a very long time about taking a trip together.)
I did some research on Trip Advisor and Facebook, and decided to go with Costa Rica Vacations. ( Boy, was that ever the right decision!!! In spite of medical emergencies and several resulting changes in plans, CRV took care of us in an incredibly attentive and responsive fashion. From beginning to end, in spite of the hiccups, we were well taken care of.)
I originally talked with a travel advisor, Jeremy, who worked tirelessly with me, mindful of our budget and the places we wanted to go (Monteverde, Arenal, and Tamarindo). The final plan gave us time in each area to explore on our own, while including some great tours (my friend is an avid birdwatcher; I am a total naturalist kind of person...). The boutique hotels looked lovely, and we had months to pay installments and spend time anticipating the fabulousness of it all. We made plans in May, 2014, and travelled January-February, 2015.
Well, things did not go quite as planned (don't worry...there is a very happy ending!). First my friend got to the airport in Houston and was not allowed to check in because her passport would expire in 90 days (DO NOT make this mistake!!! The tour information does warn you!) So we had about a two minute time frame to discuss and decide that I would go on ahead, and she would follow later that evening, after renewing her passport. I immediately called CRV, explained the situation, and was told not to worry -- they would advise the driver and set up an overnight hotel in Liberia and a new ride for my friend. No big deal, easy as pie!
So, off I went , feeling slightly guilty, but safe in the knowledge that this was just a little bump in the road. HA!
The next day I found out that my friend had woken up with one side of her face swollen double its size, and she had been taken to an urgent care doctor in Liberia, thanks to CRV. She arrived in Monteverde later that afternoon, not feeling great but with a great story about the wonderful quality of the healthcare she had received (instant appointment, X-rays, bloodwork, diagnosis and prescription....for around $200. We had bought travel insurance, so it was covered, but the cost and high quality care was surprising to us, given our experiences in the States...)
A day later, she was not improving. We had to go to a doctor in Monteverde, and again we were amazed: the doctora took us right in, went over the information from Liberia, was very thorough in her examination, and set up an IV of stronger meds. Long story short, my friend ended up needing even more medical help in this clinic, and yet stronger antibiotics and daily visits, so we had to make more changes in our itinerary. Greivin and Claudia totally took care of us, along with the wonderful proprietress of the hotel in Monteverde. My friend improved, and we went on to Arenal, and then Tamarindo.
We ended up having an absolutely AMAZING time on every level! The tours were great, the hotels were superb, we made many new friends, and learned a lot more Spanish. Another plus was that all our drivers were entertaining and made the long trips both educational and enjoyable. It was definitely an adventure, and we enjoyed every minute -- well, not the health issues so much, but still we were happily surprised and amazed by the high quality, accessibility, and high standard of health care in CR, even in the cloud forests!! We were grateful for that, and for the great care that CRV took to make sure we were safe and happy along the way.
So, to sum up, CRV should actually be ACRV -- Amazing Costa Rica Vacations, because that's truly what they are! They will take care of you from the moment you start planning your getaway, till the time your return flight touches down in your hometown. I wouldn't use anyone else. Just tell them what you need, and they will make it happen!... More

We had a great vacation to Costa Rica. Shay Tippie put together a trip that was well balanced and fun. We could not have done this ourselves. You do not even need to hesitate to use this agency. Everything they did was first rate and happened exactly as planned. The Cala Luna Hotel near Tamarindo was a personal favorite. When our flight was cancelled out of Phoenix of all places, they immediately rescheduled everything and things still went perfectly and we did everything we set out to do. Highly recommend these people... More

The honeymoon is still a week away so I cannot report on the trip yet. That said I can report that Rebecca Anderson, my travel consultant, has been great to work with. The trip she helped plan appears to be just what Marilyn and I were looking for, and she made the process so easy. Thanks Rebecca and CRV.... More

Wow- thanks William! We really appreciate you taking this moment pre-trip to testify to Rebecca Anderson-Costa Rica Travel Consultant's great work! We are so happy that that makes you feel at ease before your big trip. Please stay in touch and keep counting down the days! The CRV Team... More